HARAPEPE.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 974, 19 September 1878, Page 2

HARAPEPE.

September, 12, A public meeting of the inhabitants of this district (Pirongia) was held m the schoolhouse, oa Wednesday the 11th. The meeting ; was called for 6 p.m., but as usual, m this part of the world, very few 1 were punctual, and it was 7 p.ni;, before many of them put m nn appearance. Mr A. S. Sherret was elected chairman. The chairman explained the object of the meeting was, that at some time back there was a general wish expressed throughout this district, that the Pirongia Biding s lion Id be taken from the County of Bag lan, making the ranges the boundary au d a tt ache§

o the County of Waipa (supposing the County of Waipa to be agreeable). At that time the Counties Aot was not m force m the Waipa County, and the ratepayers are against having, it m here. "The chairman of tlfe Highway Board had received a letter from Mr McMinn, M.H.B. informing the Board that as he is now m Wellington, be could see to the necessary business, if the ratepayers were still m favour of the change. The Board decided at their late meeting m favor of remaining m Kag]an County, but called tuis meeting to have the opinion of the ratepayers ont thVfubject. The letter torthe Board was then read to the meeting. Mr J. H. Thompson, proposed "That this riding remain as it is at present.'' Mr David Hollo, seconded the proposition. On it being, put to the meeting it was carried unanimously, there not being one person against it. As there was a very good muster of thn inhabitants of the district, several other matters were brought up and discussed, the principal one being the present state of affairs on this side of the Waipa, m regard to the whole of the land held by the Government, as not a penny of rates could be collected from it. The Government will not sell it or say what ther intend to do with it, and the present state is detrimental to the good of the district. The state of doubt and uncertainty renders land unsaleable, as no one will buy a farm over here with the prospect of Maori neighbours. Mr J. Hodgesou, proposed " That a telegram be sent to Mr McMinn, to ask the Goverment whet they intend to do with the land now held by them m the Pirongia district? Whether they intend to sell it, or to give it back to the natives ?" Mr F James seconded the above proposition. [Mr McMinn's question and the Government reply will be Been m our Parliamentary news of to-day.] The postal arrangements were also discussed, and dissatisfaction was expressed at the present arrangements. The settlers have to go into Alexandra for the principal mail, that is , the Saturday one, and fetch it themselves, or it would not come out here till the following Friday, nearly a week. Many of the Waikato settlements are now having a mail every day, and others, three times a week. Mr B. Neil, proposed, " That Mr McMinn be requested to use his utmost efforts to have a maiJ service once a week between Alexandra and Harapepe (on Saturdays)." The meeting was very well attended by all the principal ratepayers of the district. The weather has improved a trifle since my last.— Own Cobbesfokdent.